Please, don't paint the brick.

It's not the brick fireplace, it's your room decor. Rethink furniture and decor placement.

Adding drapery panels to the windows would help soften and cozy up the space.

a larger simple piece of wood for a mantle, and a large area rug. Photos of the whole space would draw more help.

Your fireplace would look more substantial if the brick didn't go to the ceiling.

Here is a sketch to show you how small changes can visually change the appearance of your room.

IMO drapery panels are a must in this room. Not the gray I show but something that correlates with your furnishings or adds a pattern.

I'd add faux wood beams to the ceiling also. It's pretty blank.

I had the drapery panels for years and just took them down. Thank your for your input!

I suggest you work on the fireplace surround, by installing large tiles and a new large wood mantle. Replace the ceiling fan with a large chandelier, install curtains (all at same height) with natural fibre/bamboo roman shades, and bring some colour into the room.